1998 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, both 1998 Ford Contour and 1998 Mazda RX-7 were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 141 kg more than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1998 Mazda RX-7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
